Martinelli denies wanting to tap phones of opponents
(Newsroompanama.com) PANAMA . Jan 2, Panama’s President, Ricardo Martinelli today made his first reference to the Wikipedia leaks and reports that he wanted to tap phones of political opponents.
“I have to admit that at first I did have a slight difference of opinion with the American ambassador [Barbara Stephenson]" he told local media but added : "Never in my life did I ask or wanted to tap phones to punch an opponent."
In documents released by Wikileaks and published in the Spanish newspaper El País, and the New York Times it was stated that he sought help from the DEA to conduct wiretaps.
Martinelli poke as he left the National Assembly, after making his report to the country on his 18 months in office.
He said that the incident dated back to August 11, 2009, when his administration was popular and he had no need to punch anyone.
Another difference between U.S. and Martinelli was the electrical interconnection with Colombia, according to the president.
They disagreed over the the Minister of Education Lucy Molinar, and thechoice of Gustavo Perez as director of the National Police. "But the country's president is me, and I am the decision maker, "
He said that after the differences of opinion he achieved a good and smooth relationship and has excellent relations with the United States, although he remains the only Panamanian leader since the establishment of democracy, not to have been invited to the White House.
************
Original Source: Newsroompanama.com
Date Retrieved: January 2, 2011.
